Russia and the West

A year on from Dmitry Medvedev’s succession to the Kremlin, this paper analyses the evolution of Russian foreign policy under both Putin and Medvedev. It seeks to identify the main themes, interests, and objectives of Russian foreign policy, and to appraise the role of President Medvedev in the direction of Russian diplomacy and his relationship with Prime Minister Putin. The paper examines, in detail, Russia’s relationship with the United States, NATO, the EU, and the UK and analyses the role of energy in relations between Russia and the West. It also looks at the prospects for the relationship in the light of President Obama’s declared intention to press the 'reset' button in US-Russian relations. The paper complements Library Research Paper 09/35, 'Russia’s Military Posture'.

• Primary Source

United Kingdom: House of Commons: Library: Library Research Papers: No.09/35 (April 2009) http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/RP09-35.pdf

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